A coalition of environmental groups is urging New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation to strengthen regulations on landfill leachate treatment, citing contamination of drinking water for 368,000 residents. Leachate, a toxic liquid containing PFAS and other contaminants, is often sent untreated to municipal wastewater plants, which lack the capacity to filter out such chemicals.
The groups highlighted Seneca Meadows, the state’s largest landfill, as a key concern. In 2024, it produced 58.2 million gallons of leachate, only part of which underwent treatment before being sent to municipal systems.
Advocates demand immediate regulatory updates, a public comment period, and greater accountability from landfill operators to prioritize public health and protect water sources.
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